Trees and Woodland Strategy
Bexley's strategic approach to tree management and new tree planting
Why have a Trees and Woodlands Strategy?
Trees are a unique component of the landscape: unlike man-made structures, they are living organisms which are vulnerable to damage by vandalism, development and pest and diseases. Many trees are long-lived, offering enjoyment and a diversity of benefits to residents both today and in the future. To ensure their huge contribution to the urban landscape continues it is essential that their needs and requirements are understood and planned for.
 Because of the long-term approach required for our trees and woodlands, it is essential that action is co-ordinated within a shared responsibility for the well-being of all of our trees in the Borough whether they are privately or publicly owned.
The overall commitment to provide a framework for the maintenance and enhancement
of trees contributing to Bexley's environment and character can be demonstrated
by providing the public with a clear understanding of the Council's aims and
the reasons why decisions and actions are taken. This decision making can be
based on known facts rather than preconceptions, thereby allowing the Council
to respond more effectively to threats which may affect the quality of our trees,
enabling a proactive management culture to develop.
In turn, planned or pro-active management can result in the most efficient use
of resources leading to potential savings and greater satisfaction from residents
and local businesses.
By developing a strategic approach to tree management and new tree planting,
it will be possible to identify those resources required to implement action
and also to maximise grant aid and other income: especially from woodland management.
Many of the actions necessary to implement the Tree and Woodland Strategy will
require an increase in the range of individuals and organisations actively involved
in the care of our trees and a structure for them to work in complementary ways.
By building and strengthening links between people and trees and by fostering
more positive public attitudes toward trees, it will be possible to provide opportunities
for education, consultation and participation.
Also, it is necessary to consider the need for a tree strategy from an international
through to a local context. Following the United Nations Conference on Environment
and Development held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 (commonly called the Rio Earth
Summit), broad areas for action were agreed by the participating nations on sustainable
development.
The UK Government's response to the Earth Summit, on how the country will meet
its obligations in respect of sustainable development, climate change, biodiversity
and forest management, has been set out in a number of publications (see Appendix D).
There are a number of elements in those publications that are relevant to tree
strategies.
The Council is empowered by a number of Acts of Parliament which relate to trees
and woodlands. The Strategy will set out what duties and powers the Council has
under these laws and what actions are required to be most efficient.
The Trees and Woodlands Strategy will be an integral element of the Council's
New Environmental Agenda and will provide supplemental planning advice to the
Council's Unitary Development Plan. Together, these roles will contribute to
the objectives for sustainable development and bio-diversity.
The Trees and Woodlands Strategy contains the Council's core values in respect
of trees and woodlands, these will drive the policies and action plans empowering
the Council and its residents to take an active role in the management of the
urban forest.
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